“Be practical”, one hears this term more often. It has always been regarded as one solution for more than five problems. Especially in a professional environment, we are expected to be practical thinkers. We do not get carried away with certain things and rather focus on our goals, be greatly ambitious, prioritise work, always be motivated, competitive and calculative.
But the question is, does being practical mean to be dispassionate?
When we grow as children, we are told that everything is possible in this world and are asked to dream big and be hopeful. But when we start to face several challenges, which we are not aware of earlier, we are advised to be practical and face reality and get accustomed to it.
Being practical means to start practising or implementing what we have learnt and experience the authenticity of life. But one thing that makes it difficult for most people to abide by that process is the reality of this world is conflicting with what we have imagined it to be.
We live in a world of fantasy until we step into reality. When we are finally living it, it becomes tough for us to understand how to deal with various problems and people and inquire about the solution. We are told to “be practical”, which basically means to make our way out through all such problems without getting emotionally affected.
But unfortunately, it is not so easily implemented in our lives as it sounds to be.
People show concern for creating awareness about depression, anxiety, or any other mental disorder, but if one tries to talk about their mental problems, the most common advice given is to be practical in life and not an “emotional fool”.
In this modern time, where people have adopted a rigorous working culture and cut-throat competition, for whom every action is driven by money and the lifestyle has become more of a robot than a human.
They hardly try to check on what a person might be going through emotionally or if they are in a state of happiness or sorrow and they explain this thought giving the reason that it is a practical life and emotions have no role to play in it.
One in a five has some emotional or behavioural problems. For example, many go through anxiety and depression, which adversely affects their professional and personal lives, resulting in persistent inefficiency and failing to make a significant position at their workplace. Thus, it affects their overall mental state and personality.
Having a practical approach towards life has always been recommended as it encompasses skills to see the world as it is, but it should not come at the cost of emotions.
As all of us are aware of the real world, we must be emotional and also respect others emotions along with making them adapt to a practical life instead of becoming part of the world where people are involved in corrupt practices or any unfair means to survive.
A balanced emotion with a practical approach helps people live a mentally fit and sustainable life both in personal and professional lives.